Pitt Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development

05/03/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Crossing that stage represents years of hard work. And thank you to the faculty who showed up for our students along the way.

04/21/2026

Faculty at every stage of their career can face moments where the path forward feels unclear — whether building a research agenda, navigating academic life, or finding dedicated space to focus on professional growth. The Advance@Pitt Faculty Retreat is designed to meet faculty where they are.

From May 18-21, join us for our annual summer retreat and engage in intensive, applied sessions designed to produce real results and meaningful connections.

Open to all Pitt faculty, the retreat welcomes those at any career stage — from new and early-career faculty building their foundation to mid- and senior-level faculty seeking focused support and renewed momentum. Participants can choose the Research Track, the Professional Development Track, or both.

Retreat Schedule
Research Track: Monday, May 18–Tuesday, May 19
Professional Development Track: Wednesday, May 20–Thursday, May 21
Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Space is limited. Apply by April 30: https://ow.ly/Rh3r50YNyJn

04/20/2026

Have you listened to Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development John Wallace on Provost McCarthy's podcast?

They discussed how Pitt is prioritizing faculty success from recruitment to retirement through leadership development, curated resources, and community.

Listen to the full episode: https://ow.ly/bURf50YMPuY

04/10/2026

Pitt faculty: Ready to kickstart your summer writing?

The Office of Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development, the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Pitt Research, and the University of Pittsburgh Library System are partnering to host the first annual Faculty Summer Writing Retreat, May 4-15, in Hillman Library.

Lunch will be provided and participants who complete the program may receive up to $500 to support research and/or creative activities.

Apply by April 16: https://lnkd.in/eKqXnbHi

03/25/2026

We join the Pitt community in remembering James T. Johnson Jr. and the meaningful contributions he made as a scholar, mentor, and colleague.

Dr. J graduated from Jazz Studies program and went on to earn a master’s and a doctorate in ethnomusicology at Pitt in 1988. He later developed the course "African American Music in the US," which he taught for at least the last 20 years, and for many years led a gospel choir at Pitt.

His impact will be felt for years to come.

The beloved educator used music to help generations connect to their history and identity.

03/09/2026

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the scholars, educators, and mentors whose leadership strengthens our University community and beyond. Their work continues to expand knowledge and shape the next generation of leaders.

02/26/2026

Congratulations to Jason Deakings, assistant professor in the School of Public Health, who was named to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Under 40 list for 2026.

02/23/2026

There is still time to register for the annual K. Leroy Irvis Celebration of Black History Month!

On Tuesday, February 24, the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing will highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of seven individuals whose careers and characters exemplify K. Leroy Irvis’s legacy of leadership, public service, education, and cultural enrichment.

Tickets are free, but registration required: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWS9U9hQAsHNdfo

02/13/2026

Congratulations are in order to veteran history professor Laurence Glasco, who was featured in a recent University Times article about his new biography on August Wilson.

Learn more about Glasco’s insights into Wilson and the book, August Wilson’s American Century: Life as Art: https://ow.ly/G3zo50Yfppv

02/13/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Willa Doswell, PhD, RN, FAAN, a beloved faculty member who retired in July 2025 after many years of service to Pitt Nursing and our students. Dr. Doswell devoted her career to studying and promoting the health and well-being of girls, especially African American girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years.

Beyond her research, her compassion was felt across Pittsburgh in the many communities she touched. Over the years, she helped organize health fairs, food and clothing drives, baby showers for new moms, and pet food drives to support struggling pet owners.

Learn more about her impact in this story from our archives: https://ow.ly/JkBG50YfjJl